Heating Apparatus

ABSTRACT

The invention discloses a heating apparatus, which includes a housing frame consisting of conduits for containing gas and/or liquid fuel and which includes supporting means for supporting an object to be heated; burning means for heating the object supported on the supporting means; and inlet means for supplying the gas and/or liquid fuel to the burning means. The apparatus furthermore includes valve means associated with the burning means, and being adapted to prevent the supply of gas and/or liquid fuel to the burning means if the supporting means is not substantially horizontal. The apparatus furthermore includes valve means associated with the burning means, and being adapted to prevent the supply of gas and/or liquid fuel to the burning means if an object is not supported by the supporting means.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to a heating apparatus.

More particularly, the invention relates to a heating apparatus utilising liquid and/or gas fuel.

BACKGROUND TO INVENTION

Various types of liquid and gas fuel heating stoves are known in Africa.

For example, ZA1977/0491 discloses a petroleum stove wherein inner and outer flame sleeves of a burner sleeve are mounted to engage and disengage on an upper end of a wick guiding sleeve for guiding a burner wick.

ZA1996/9850 discloses a heating device in the form of a stove comprising a body defining a flow path extending venture fashion between an adjustable air inlet as provided by a swivellable ring displaying a plurality of orifices which are swivellable to a larger or lesser extent into registration with orifices through the wall of the body.

ZA1988/8320 discloses a paraffin stove which includes a substantially closed housing within which one or more reservoirs supporting burners are mounted, which include burner adjustment levers and the reservoirs include filler opening which are closeable by means of filler caps.

ZA1994/3833 discloses a cooking apparatus which includes a portable support adapted to support a cooking vessel, and which s provided with a circular base plate supporting an electrically operable heating element in such a fashion that the heating element can radiate heat upwardly from an upper side thereof into a first heating zone as well as downwardly from a lower side thereof into a second heating zone.

ZA1988/3258 discloses a cooking plate for a gas lamp which comprises a substantially flat support surface and a recess at the opposite side of the support surface for engagement with the top end of a gas lamp.

ZA2003/4198 discloses a combustion stove, typically for use with a liquid or gas fuel such as paraffin. The stove includes a housing which defines a water tank, a pair of combustion chambers located within the water tank, and heating plates exposed to the combustion chambers.

ZA1998/9499 discloses a combustion apparatus which includes a substantially thick walled pipe of combustible material adapted to operatively stand upright independently so that air-flow is possible through the length of the inner volume if the pipe, and means t ignite the operative lower inner wall of the pipe so that combustion thereof is initiated and continues by way of natural convection through the pipe.

ZA1998/5493 discloses a cooking appliance comprising a concave burner pan having a base and a peripheral side wall which together form a windshield and a gas burner disposed within the concavity of the pan, and an engagement formation adapted to mate with a corresponding engagement formation on a cooking surface, whereby such surface is releasably secured to the burner pan. A number of inter-changeable cooking surfaces are disclosed which may be utilized in conjunction with the burner pan.

ZA1988/1637 discloses a cooking apparatus for cooking foodstuffs by steaming which includes a tubular body adapted to receive in its lower end region a lower perforated food support preferably a wire basket, and having formation for supporting a vertically spaced upper foods perforated food support also preferable in the form of a wire basket.

ZA1990/6526 discloses a compact cooker which is easy to transport and adapted to burn low grade fuel such as wood, wood chips, waste paper, and relies on the efficient combustion of the fuel by the provision of a combustion chamber enclosed in an insulated shell in conjunction with an inner liner having holes and a lower cone formation designed to enhance air flow in to the combustion chamber.

ZA2001/4826 discloses a cooking device for use with a combustible gel-type fuel contained within a tin and that is combusted while so contained.

ZA1988/7310 discloses a paraffin-fired stove accessory in the form of a round tube open at its end. The lower edge of the tube makes a friction fit with the circumscribing wall of a conventional paraffin-fired stove and the upper edge supports the bottom of a round-bottomed cooking pot so that the bottom of the pot is sited over the burner head of the stove and the legs of the pot depend downwardly to the side of the burner head.

ZA1999/7565 discloses a gas cylinder stand which includes a ring, which extends around the cylinder, means for clamping the ring to the cylinder, and three legs which extend downwardly and outwardly from the ring and which are relatively adjustable in length.

ZA1994/4088 discloses a kit for a portable gas appliance having an elongate stem of at least 150 mm in length for conveying gas from a disposable gas canister to a burner, a kit includes an adaptor for connecting the disposable has canister to the stem, the adaptor being suitable dimensioned to engage the elongate stem so that the longitudinal axes of the stem and the canister are in line with one another.

ZA1980/4345 discloses a cooker having a combustion chamber surrounded by a sleeve, and having an inlet means consisting of a piper passing through the sleeve and into the combustion chamber.

ZA1983/6610 discloses a stove comprising one or more housing, a corresponding number of removable vented receptacles in the form of wire mesh baskets which are adapted to receive burning fuel. The baskets are adapted for location in the housing above an air vent formed therein, means being provided to supply additional air under pressure into each housing and the receptacle therein.

ZA1972/7770 discloses a liquid fuel combustion device with an automatic igniting device, comprising a combustion sleeve, a wick guide sleeve, a combustion wick and operating means, the operating means being so constructed that one operation from the exterior of the combustion device is adapted automatically to effect an operation for lifting the combustion sleeve, for igniting the combustion wick exposed from the wick guide sleeve by the lifting operation, for locking the combustion sleeve after its ignition, and for releasing the lock.

ZA1981/3030 discloses a liquid fuel burner comprising a vaporizing chamber sealed except for a liquid fuel inlet, and a fuel vapour outlet with combustion openings therein, the outlet being located sufficiently near the chamber to cause burning vapour in use to heat the chamber and vaporize fuel therein.

ZA1971/5646 discloses a fuel container having at least one concave wall and having means for increasing the pressure within the container.

ZA1973/8374 discloses a cooking device comprising a pan and a lid to fit on the pan so that a cooking space is-defined between the pan and the lid, the pan having a side wall and a bottom and a tubular projection extending from the bottom into the pan towards the lid and terminating in an aperture, and the Id having at least one venting aperture.

ZA1998/9854 discloses a cooking device which comprises a hollow body which defines an enclosed compartment within which a cooking pot can be supported above a lamp. The hollow body is thermally insulated and is disposed with respect to the lam in a configuration in which heat generated by the lamp is effectively trapped in the enclosed compartment. The heat so trapped can then serve to cook foodstuffs contained in a cooking port supported in the compartment.

ZA1997/2154 discloses a stove comprising a base and a firebox mounted in the base. The base comprises a tubular body and a pair of support plates or feet connected to the lower end of the body so as to space the lower edge of the body from the ground.

Unfortunately, the known liquid fuel operated heating apparatuses and stoves pose either a fire-danger or are considered impractical as a result of their construction and way of design. This often results in explosions, destructive fires and time wasting impracticalities when transported, stored or operated at either campsites ad informal settlements or other indoor and outdoor environments where paraffin or other liquid or gas fuel are used to operate the stoves or apparatus. None of the above inventive prior patent specifications solve this problem.

It is an object of the invention to suggest a heating apparatus for overcoming the aforementioned problems.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

According to the invention, a heating apparatus includes a housing frame consisting of conduits for containing gas and/or liquid fuel and includes

-   -   (a) supporting means for supporting an object to be heated;     -   (b) burning means for heating the object supported on the         supporting means; and     -   (c) inlet means for supplying the gas and/or liquid fuel to the         burning means.

Also according to the invention, a heating apparatus includes

-   -   (a) supporting means for supporting an object to be heated;     -   (b) burning means for heating the object supported on the         supporting means;     -   (c) inlet means for supplying gas and/or liquid fuel to the         burning means; and     -   (d) valve means associated with the burning means, and being         adapted to prevent the supply of gas and/or liquid fuel to the         burning means if the supporting means is not substantially         horizontal.

Yet further according to the invention, a heating apparatus includes

-   -   (a) supporting means for supporting an object to be heated;     -   (b) burning means for heating the object supported on the         supporting means;     -   (c) inlet means for supplying gas and/or liquid fuel to the         burning means; and     -   (d) valve means associated with the burning means, and being         adapted to prevent the supply of gas and/or liquid fuel to the         burning means if an object is not supported by the supporting         means.

Yet further according to the invention, a method of heating an object includes the steps

-   -   (a) of supporting an object to be heated on supporting means;     -   (b) of providing gas and/or liquid fuel in a housing frame         consisting of conduits;     -   (c) of supplying gas and/or liquid fuel to burning means by         valve means; and     -   (d) heating the object supported on the supporting means by         means of the burning means.

Yet further according to the invention, a method of heating an object includes the steps

-   -   (a) of supporting an object to be heated on supporting means;     -   (b) of supplying gas and/or liquid fuel to burning means by         valve means only if an object is being supported on the         supporting means and which valve means is adapted to prevent the         supply of gas and/or liquid fuel to the burning means if an         object is not supported by the supporting means; and     -   (c) heating the object supported on the supporting means by         means of the burning means.

Yet further according to the invention, a method of heating an object includes the steps

-   -   (a) of supporting an object to be heated on supporting means;     -   (b) of supplying gas and/or liquid fuel to burning means by         valve means only if the supporting means is substantially         horizontal and which valve means is adapted to prevent the         supply of gas and/or liquid fuel to the burning means if the         supporting means is not substantially horizontal; and     -   (c) heating the object supported on the supporting means by         means of the burning means.

The heating apparatus may be provided with further valve means associated with the burning means, and being adapted to prevent the supply of gas and/or liquid fuel to the burning means if an object is not supported by the supporting means.

The apparatus may be intended for domestic use, indoor and/or outdoor use.

The fuel may be paraffin.

The object to be heated may include at least one cooking pot, other cooking container or utensil and/or food.

The apparatus may be provided with a base supporting structure.

The apparatus may be foldable.

The apparatus may be transportable and/or portable.

The housing frame may be disposable

The supporting means may be moveable relative to the burning means.

The valve means may include a ball valve, flow valve and/or a pressure valve.

The supporting means may be associated with a lever adapted to open the valve means when the supporting means moves downwardly due to an object placed on it.

The supporting means may be associated with a lever adapted to operate the pressure valve to allow the supply of gas and/or liquid fuel when the supporting means moves downwardly due to an object placed on it.

The apparatus may be provide with movable means for moving the supporting means and the burning means relatively away from each other.

The valve means may be integrated into the inlet means and/or the housing frame.

The inlet means may be removably connected to a gas and/or liquid fuel container.

The inlet means may be integrated into a housing frame.

The housing frame may consist of conduits for containing liquid and/or gas fuel.

The conduits may include 16 mm class II piping.

The inlet means may include a master valve for manually preventing the supply of gas and/or liquid fuel to the burning means.

The apparatus may include illumination means.

The illumination means may be connected to the conduits of the housing frame.

The illumination means may be adapted to be fuelled by the supplying gas and/or liquid fuel of the heating apparatus.

The apparatus may include accessories and/or a combination of accessories for heating, cooking, transporting, storing and operating purposes.

The accessories may be moveable relatively to the housing frame.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings.

In the drawings there is shown in:

FIG. 1: a sectional side view of a heating apparatus in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2: a sectional side view of the heating apparatus shown in FIG. 1, but with supporting means not substantially horizontal and the valve means in a close position;

FIG. 3: a sectional side view of a heating apparatus in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4: a sectional side view of the heating apparatus shown in FIG. 3, but without supporting an object to be heated;

FIG. 5: a perspective view of a heating apparatus in accordance with a third embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6: a top view of the heating apparatus as seen from arrow VI in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7: a side view of the heating apparatus as seen from arrow VII in FIG. 5;

FIG. 8: a side view of the heating apparatus as seen from arrow VIII in FIG. 5;

FIG. 9: a perspective view of the piping of the heating apparatus shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 10: a top view of the piping as seen from arrow X in FIG. 9;

FIG. 11: a side view of the piping as seen from arrow XI in FIG. 9;

FIG. 12: a side view of the piping as seen from arrow XII in FIG. 9;

FIG. 13: a perspective view of the heating apparatus shown in FIG. 5, but in a folded-away position;

FIG. 14: a top view of the heating apparatus as seen from arrow XIV in FIG. 13;

FIG. 15: a side view of the heating apparatus as seen from arrow XV in FIG. 13;

FIG. 16: a side view of the heating apparatus as seen from arrow XVI in FIG. 13;

FIG. 17: a perspective view of a heating apparatus in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 18: a top view of the heating apparatus as seen from arrow XVIII in FIG. 17;

FIG. 19: a side view of the heating apparatus as seen from arrow XIX in FIG. 17;

FIG. 20: a side view of the heating apparatus as seen from arrow XX in FIG. 17;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 of the drawings, a heating apparatus in accordance with the invention, generally indicated by reference numeral 10, is shown.

The heating apparatus 10 includes

-   -   (a) a housing frame 12 consisting of conduits for containing gas         and/or liquid fuel,     -   (b) supporting means 14 for supporting an object 16 to be         heated;     -   (c) burning means 18 for heating the object 16 supported on the         supporting means 14;     -   (d) inlet means 20 for supplying gas and/or liquid fuel to the         burning means 18; and     -   (e) valve means 22 associated with the inlet means 20, and which         is adapted to close off the inlet means 20 if the supporting         means 14 is not substantially horizontal.

Either the inlet means 20 or the housing frame 12 are removably connected to a gas and/or liquid fuel container (not shown). The fuel is mainly paraffin.

The object 16 to be heated can be a cooking pot, other cooking container or utensil and/or food.

The heating apparatus 10 is also transportable, portable and disposable.

The valve means may be integrated into the inlet means.

The conduits of the housing frame include 16 mm class II piping.

The inlet means 22 is integrated into the housing frame 12.

The inlet means 22 includes a master valve (not shown) for manually closing off fuel flow to the burning means 18.

The heating apparatus 10 generally intended for domestic use and aims to reduce the danger of fires, in that the inlet means 20 are closed-off by means of the valve means 22 should the heating apparatus 10 is tilted and whereby the object 16 can fall as it is not located on a substantially horizontal supporting means 14.

Thus the heating apparatus 10 provides means for heating an object with the following steps

-   -   (a) of supporting the object 16 to be heated on the supporting         means 14;     -   (b) of opening the inlet means 20 for supplying the gas or         liquid fuel to the burning means 18 by valve means 22 only if         the supporting means 14 is substantially horizontal and which         valve means 22 is adapted to close off the inlet means 20 if the         supporting means 14 is not substantially horizontal; and     -   (c) of heating the object 16 supported on the supporting means         14 by means of the burning means 18.

In addition, the heating apparatus 10 has a lower centre of gravity due to the construction of the housing frame 12 consisting of conduits and containing the gas and/or liquid fuel. The heating apparatus 10 is therefore more stable and increases the safety factor thereof.

Referring to FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 of the drawings, a heating apparatus in accordance with the invention, generally indicated by reference numeral 30, is shown.

The heating apparatus 30 includes

-   -   (a) a housing frame 32 consisting of conduits for containing gas         and/or liquid fuel,     -   (b) supporting means 34 for supporting an object 16 to be         heated;     -   (c) burning means 38 for heating the object 36 supported on the         supporting means 34;     -   (d) inlet means 40 for supplying gas and/or liquid fuel to the         burning means 38; and     -   (e) valve means 42 associated with the inlet means 40, and which         is adapted to close off the inlet means 40 if an object is not         supporting by the supporting means 34.

Either the inlet means 40 or the housing frame 32 are removably connected to a gas and/or liquid fuel container (not shown). The fuel is mainly paraffin.

The object 36 to be heated can be a cooking pot, other cooking container or utensil and/or food.

The heating apparatus 30 is also transportable.

The supporting means 34 is moveable relative to the burning means 38 by means of movable means (not shown) for moving the supporting means 34 and the burning means 38 relatively away from each other.

The valve means may be integrated into the inlet means.

The conduits of the housing frame include 16 mm class II piping.

The inlet means 42 is integrated into the housing frame 32.

The inlet means 42 includes a master valve (not shown) for manually closing off fuel flow to the burning means 38.

The heating apparatus 30 generally intended for domestic use and aims to reduce the danger of fires, in that the inlet means 40 are closed-off by means of the valve means 42 should the heating apparatus 30 fall over whereby the object 36 is not supported by the supporting means 34 anymore.

Thus the heating apparatus 30 provides means for heating an object with the following steps

-   -   (a) of supporting the object 36 to be heated on the supporting         means 34;     -   (b) of opening the inlet means 40 for supplying the gas or         liquid fuel to the burning means 38 by valve means 42 only if         the object 36 is being supported on the supporting means 34 and         which valve means 42 is adapted to close off the inlet means 40         if the object 36 is not supported by the supporting means 34;         and     -   (c) of heating the object 36 supported on the supporting means         34 by means of the burning means 38.

In addition, the heating apparatus 30 has a lower centre of gravity due to the construction of the housing frame 32 consisting of conduits and containing the gas and/or liquid fuel. The heating apparatus 30 is therefore more stable and increases the safety factor thereof.

Referring to FIGS. 5 to 16 of the drawings, a heating apparatus in accordance with a third embodiment of the invention, generally indicated by reference numeral 50, is shown.

The heating apparatus 50 includes

-   -   (a) a housing frame 52 consisting of conduits for containing gas         and/or liquid fuel,     -   (b) supporting means 54 for supporting an object 56 to be         heated;     -   (c) burning means 58 for heating the object 56 supported on the         supporting means 54; and     -   (d) inlet means 60 for supplying gas and/or liquid fuel to the         burning means 58.

The fuel is mainly gas/liquid fuel such as paraffin.

The object 56 to be heated is a cooking pan.

The heating apparatus 50 is foldable to be compact to facilitate transporting the heating apparatus 50 (c.f. FIGS. 13 to 16).

The conduits of the housing frame include 60 to 120 mm tubing/piping. The inlet means 60 includes a master valve (not shown) for manually closing off fuel flow to the burning means 58.

The heating apparatus 50 generally intended for domestic use and aims to reduce the danger of fires, in that the heating apparatus 50 has a lower centre of gravity due to the construction of the housing frame 52 consisting of piping and containing the gas and/or liquid fuel. The heating apparatus 50 is therefore more stable and increases the safety factor thereof, while the shape of the housing frame enables various practical modular accessories to be connected therewith and facilitating transporting, storing and operating of the heating apparatus 50.

Referring to FIGS. 17 to 20 of the drawings, a heating apparatus in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the invention, generally indicated by reference numeral 70, is shown.

The heating apparatus 70 includes

-   -   (a) a housing frame 72 consisting of conduits for containing gas         and/or liquid fuel,     -   (b) supporting means 74 for supporting an object (not shown) to         be heated;     -   (c) burning means 76 for heating the object supported on the         supporting means 74;     -   (d) inlet means 78 for supplying gas and/or liquid fuel to the         burning means 76; and     -   (e) illumination means 80

The fuel is mainly paraffin.

The heating apparatus 70 is foldable to be compact to facilitate transporting the heating apparatus 70.

The conduits of the housing frame 72 include 32 mm class II piping.

The inlet means 78 includes a master valve (not shown) for manually closing off fuel flow to the burning means 76.

The heating apparatus 70 generally intended for either camping and domestic use and aims to ensure stability, safety and practicality and reduce the danger of fires, in that the heating apparatus 70 has a lower centre of gravity due to the construction of the housing frame 72 consisting of piping and containing the gas and/or liquid fuel, which together with the inherent space frame design allows for a single accessory or a combination of accessories (which could also include extensions) to be store, transported and operated as a practical modular concept. The heating apparatus 70 is therefore more stable and practical.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

10 heating apparatus

12 housing frame

14 supporting means

16 object to be heated

18 burning means

20 inlet means

22 valve means

30 heating apparatus

32 housing frame

34 supporting means

36 object to be heated

38 burning means

40 inlet means

42 valve means

50 heating apparatus

52 housing frame

54 supporting means

56 object to be heated

58 burning means

60 inlet means

70 heating apparatus

72 housing frame

74 supporting means

76 burning means

78 inlet means

80 illumination means 

1. A heating apparatus, which includes (a) a housing frame serving as a fuel reserve and consisting of conduits for containing the complete gas and/or liquid fuel supply for the heating apparatus, said housing frame being adapted to act as a base supporting structure for the heating apparatus and providing the heating apparatus with a low centre of gravity; (b) supporting means connected to the housing frame for supporting an object to be heated; (c) burning means for heating the object supported on the supporting means; and (d) inlet means connected to the conduits of the housing frame and for supplying the gas and/or liquid fuel from the conduits of the housing frame to the burning means.
 2. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, which includes valve means associated with the burning means, and being adapted to prevent the supply of gas and/or liquid fuel to the burning means if the supporting means is not substantially horizontal.
 3. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, which includes valve means associated with the burning means, and being adapted to prevent the supply of gas and/or liquid fuel to the burning means if an object is not supported by the supporting means.
 4. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, which is intended for domestic use, indoor and/or outdoor use.
 5. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, in which the fuel is paraffin.
 6. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, in which the object to be heated includes at least one cooking pot, any type of cooking container or utensil and/or food.
 7. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, which includes a base supporting structure.
 8. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, in which the housing frame and/or accessories are foldable relative to each other.
 9. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, which is transportable, portable and/or disposable.
 10. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, in which the supporting means is moveable relative to the burning means.
 11. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, in which the valve means includes a ball valve, flow valve and/or a pressure valve.
 12. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, in which the supporting means is associated with a lever adapted to open the valve means when the supporting means moves downwardly due to an object placed on it.
 13. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, in which the supporting means is associated with a lever adapted to operate the pressure valve to allow the supply of gas and/or liquid fuel when the supporting means moves downwardly due to an object placed on it.
 14. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, which includes movable means for moving the supporting means and the burning means relatively away from each other.
 15. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, in which the valve means is integrated into the inlet means and/or the housing frame.
 16. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, in which the inlet means is removably connected to a gas and/or liquid fuel container.
 17. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, in which the inlet means is integrated into the housing frame.
 18. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, in which the conduits include 16 mm class II piping.
 19. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, in which the inlet means includes a master valve for manually preventing the supply of gas and/or liquid fuel to the burning means.
 20. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, which includes at least one cooking, heating and/or illumination means.
 21. An apparatus as claimed in claim 20, in which the cooking, heating and/or illumination means is connected to the conduits of the housing frame.
 22. An apparatus as claimed in claim 20, in which the cooking, heating and/or illumination means is adapted to be fuelled by the supplying gas and/or liquid fuel of the heating apparatus. 23.-64. (canceled)
 65. A method of heating an object, which includes the steps (a) of supporting an object to be heated on supporting means connected to the housing frame; (b) of providing gas and/or liquid fuel in a housing frame serving as a fuel reserve and consisting of conduits, said housing frame being adapted to act as a base supporting structure for the heating apparatus and providing the heating apparatus with a low centre of gravity; (c) of supplying gas and/or liquid fuel from the conduits of the housing frame to burning means by valve means connected to the conduits of the housing frame; and (d) heating the object supported on the supporting means by means of the burning means. 66.-67. (canceled)
 68. A method as claimed in claim 65, which includes the steps of supplying gas and/or liquid fuel to the burning means by the valve means only if the supporting means in substantially horizontal and which valves means is adapted to prevent the supply of gas and/or liquid fuel to the burning means if the supporting means is not substantially horizontal.
 69. A method as claimed in claim 65, which includes the steps of supplying gas and/or liquid fuel to the burning means by the valve means only if an object is being supported on the supporting means and which valve means is adapted to prevent the supply of gas and/or liquid fuel to the burning means if an object is not supported by the supporting means. 